Kuala Lumpur Hotel Insider
It may be one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the world, an important trading center, and the political and economical hub of Malaysia, but Kuala Lumpur doesn’t skimp on what it offers its millions of visitors and locals alike. Whether you like shopping, sampling unique Asian street food, or admiring the high rise buildings that have sprouted up in the formerly sleepy Chinese colony, Kuala Lumpur won’t disappoint.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Perhaps its biggest draw to tourists is the number of five-star hotels for three-star prices; indeed, Kuala Lumpur boasts plenty of posh accommodations at a fraction of their cost in other parts of the world. Try the famous Traders Hotel, where you can savor a drink and front-row view of the Petronas Twin Towers from the sky bar, or indulge in a traditional Indonesian Balinese massage at the Swiss-Garden Hotel. Likewise, the Mandarin Oriental is exquisite with its artfully designed Asian flair, and the Seri Pacific Hotel offers a memorable dining experience with their renowned Kofuku Japanese food.

Self-described budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur are a great option for those with shallow pockets, as you’ll likely score a mid-range classy room for cheap. The Ginger Hotels group is a popular brand in Asia and has several locales in Kuala Lumpur, but for a more unique experience try Le Apple Boutique Hotel, where you can stay in one of their many “Zen-styled” rooms. The Lotus Hotel Masjid India is another great budget choice right in the heart of Little India; you can enjoy free mineral water and snack stations throughout the hotel.

Attractions & Environs
There is a plethora of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, and you’ll have plenty of lodging options wherever you want to stay in the city. Shopping is perhaps the number one attraction, with no less than 33 malls and thousands of stores offering everything from homemade trinkets to luxury furniture to bootlegged music and movies. The biggest draw is at Berjaya Times Square, a massive complex comprising of twin towers, an indoor amusement park and a shopping mall all in one. In fact, when you’re finished exploring the mini world, get some rest at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel -- it’s literally attached to the mall.

For a more nitty-gritty experience, parts of the city like Bukit Bintang, Sungei Wang Plaza, Chinatown, and Petaling Street, where you are encouraged to try your hand at haggling, are also immensely popular shopping hotspots. After a day of bargain-hunting hang your hat at one of many cozy accommodations in the area, like Furama or My Hotel @ Bukit Bintang.

If shopping isn’t your thing (or even if it is), be sure to make time for Malaysia’s roots in ancient religion and art: the sacred and grand Thean Hou Temple is worth a tour of all six of its majestic tiers, and the legendary Batu Caves, though further out from the city, is the most popular Hindu shrine outside of India. If you want to stay central, the Museum of Islamic Art is an eye-opening experience for Westerners, and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is fun for the whole family. In between attractions, be sure to stop and sample the famous banana leaf dishes, cheap and available on nearly every street corner throughout the city.